This blog will be a place we can share what we are reading and places we are exploring. I hope you have some recommendations for me and I'll share some of my favorites with you.
Activities at OMS will also be found here because OMS students do amazing things!

LitWorld Reading

November 25, 2009

Thank you for applying and participating in the PCI Education sponsored "Special Education" microgrant give away. Voting has closed and you are one of our ten $200 Microgrant and Flip Video camera recipients.

I wanted to let you know that I am participating in a Microgrant program sponsored by PCI Education and an online community, called WeAreTeachers. The 10 recipients of this grant receive $200 to aid their work with special education students, as well as a flip video camera. My proposal involves all students using technology to connect with students in Asia during our social studies time through out the year.

Recipients are selected through an online voting process. SO -- If you have a moment, I'd really appreciate you going online and voting for my project

It would really mean a lot to our classroom to have your vote and support! Just go to http://www.weareteachers.com/web/602148/1 and follow the directions there. It is really quick and easy.The project is on page 8 listed under: Duff, Karla

November 23, 2009

The weeks before Thanksgiving was a time of excitement in the lobby of OMS.Students suggested a can drive to help the less fortunate in our area. With the support of staff members, the students organized, advertised, motivated and then collected food for the local food shelf. The boxes were delivered Monday showing OMS students have the ability and compassion to make a difference.The chant "We can do it" was shortened, "We did it!"

November 15, 2009

Three 6th graders were chosen to read their winning essays during the Veterans' Day Program. The contest was sponsored by our local auxiliary. The theme this year was, "My Patriotic Role as a US Citizen." Congratulations to all the students who participated in a tough but symbolic writing assignment.

November 1, 2009

Thank you to the parents and students that ordered last time! We are slowly adding to our classroom library with the free books we earned.

Reminder, you may order on-line using your credit card.Scholastic is having a buy $10 get $5.00 free special this month. Orders will be delivered before the holiday break.Website: pcool.scholastic.com/parentordering/login.jsp

Class/username = DuffclassPassword= spottoread

Special note to parents: If you want to place an order for presents, just email me and I'll keep the books for your pick up.

Reading The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z has given students a chance to walk in the principal's shoes. Gianna had a close encounter with her middle school principal, Mr. Randolph, while collecting leaves for a science project.OMS 6th graders were asked to pretend they were Principal Randolph and write a letter to Gianna's parents commenting on her lack of respect during a Saturday morning outing. Below are portions from a few student letters that has the "principal voice" speaking right at you.

Dear Parents of Gianna Zales,
Last Saturday morning, I heard a loud noise. It sounded like it came from my back yard. I went outside to look. I saw Gianna with a big branch from my tree on her lap. She sneaked into my backyard, over my picket fence, to get leaves for her science project. I asked her if she had seen the fence, she said she had...I was very disappointed that she would do something like this! She broke the branch off my tree and then took the leaves with her! I hope you have consequences for her actions!
Sincerely, Principal Randolph

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Zales,
I am not pleased to inform you that your daughter, Gianna, jumped my fenced in backyard...I walked out my back door to find her on the ground with a big branch that she had torn off my very lovely Black Walnut tree. Now, Gianna claims she just wanted to get a leaf for her science project, but I think she was trying to vandalize my lawn!...I strongly suggest that you handle a punishment fitting to the crime, perhaps six months of community service. I do hope AND expect that this will not happen again!
Principal Mr. Randolph

Dear Mr. And Mrs. Zales,Your daughter sneaked into my backyard by climbing over my fence! Clearly she could see the fence was to keep people OUT! She climbed up my Black Walnut tree to get leaves and snapped a branch completely off. I suggest you punish her...don't let her go outside without supervision.Sincerely, Mr. Randolf

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Zales,Today, your daughter invaded my property! She stole from my two trees that I really adore. The Ginkgo leaf wasn't such a big deal, but she broke a limb off my Black Walnut tree. You need to talk with her to make sure she doesn't invade my property again!
Mr. Randolf

We wondered how our principal would react to Gianna's adventure. He does have nice trees in his yard!